Shaggy Dog Comments...

Congrats to Byron Bay kayaker Nathan Baggaley, who put in a sterling (silver) performance at the Olympics last Saturday to win two silver medals. The first came in the K1 500m race. He had just over an hour to rest and recover before backing up team-mate Clint Robinson in the K2 500m to again win silver. If you add his medals to Petria Thomas' amazing haul of three gold and one silver, that means Byron Shire ranked 23rd on the medal table, just behind Turkey and ahead of Poland.

Speaking of Petria, she'll be the special guest at a fundraising night for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter at the Byron Bay Beach Resort on Thursday, September 23. The night will be a tribute to her career and all are welcome. Tickets are just $15. You can book with the Beach Resort on 6685 8000 from Monday.

Former Lismore lad and Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has had a couple of resons to celebrate in the last week. He became a father for the second time when his wife, Mel, gave birth to a baby girl in Perth last Wednesday morning. Annie Jean Gilchrist weighed almost as much as her dad's bat - 7lb 7oz - and will no doubt keep brother Harrison busy. Adam left for England this week to rejoin the Australian team.

Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Richie Benaud named Gilchrist as one of four Aussies in his World XI of the 20th Century, with England's Jack Hobbs and India's Sunil Gavaskar opening the batting ahead of Don Bradman at No. 3.

The hard-hitting Gilchrist was included at No. 8. Lillee and Warnie also made the cut. Benaud's team is: Jack Hobbs (Eng), Sunil Gavaskar (Ind), Don Bradman (Aus), Sachin Tendulkar (Ind), Viv Richards (WI), Imran Khan (Pak), Garfield Sobers (WI), Adam Gilchrist (Aus), Shane Warne (Aus), Syd Barnes (Eng), Dennis Lillee (Aus).

More than 60 students from Ballina High School will be out in the CBD this Friday selling badges for Legacy Badge Day. In Lismore, volunteers will also be in Lismore selling badges. Legacy helps the families left behind by those who serve and defend our nation, so please give generously. If you miss them, you can also donate online at www.legacy.org.au.

Rapt in beauty

Rugging up in some of their spectacular creations during the Goonellabah Quilters exhibition are members (l-r) Angela Cox, Marilyn Hawkins, Jenni Carey and Cecily Mowle.

The Goonellabah Quilters exhibition at Lismore City Hall on the weekend was a huge success, attracting almost 400 quilt enthusiasts

Like most art forms, quilting has a long history, and according to members of the Goonellabah Quilters, is a lot like painting or drawing without the paintbrush or pencil.

"Quilting is a way for us to express our creativity - we're not painters or sculptors but this is our form of self-expression," said Goonellabah Quilters member Jenni Carey.

The Goonellabah Quilters next meeting is on Tuesday, September 14, at the Revival Centre Hall at 102 Rous Road from 10am. Anyone is welcome. For details, phone Cecily on 6625 102.